Opening statement by Elena Kountouri Tapiero, Acting Regional Representative, OHCHR, Regional Office for Europe, Brussels

27 August 2024, UN House

Good morning colleagues and friends.

Let me extend a warm welcome and gratitude to all speakers and participants, whether you are joining us in person or online.

In particular let me acknowledge the presence from:

Distinguished Academics, leading researchers in the field of health and racism

The DISQo Network

Civil society organizations

Colleagues from UN agencies in the field and headquarters

Health Practitioners

We have chosen 27th of August, as the day for our event, in commemoration of 31st August, which is the International Day for People of African Descent.

This is a day to promote greater recognition for – and celebrate – the diverse heritage and contributions of people of African descent to the development of our societies.

Let me also acknowledge that on Friday , 23 August, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, at its 113th session adopted General Recommendation 37 on racial discrimination and the enjoyment of the right to health, jointly elaborated by WHO and the Committee.